Book Now
Book a Session

How to know if therapy is right for you – Part 1

admin

June 24, 2021

Uncategorized

 

 

 

 

 

Maybe you’re feeling down today. You may be wrestling with a personal or professional problem. You might not know if anyone can or should help.

You may feel like it’s not really a big deal, or if you should draw this much attention to something so silly.

If you feel this might be you, read on. Your concerns are valid, and you are worth being heard.

By the end of this article, you’ll know how to evaluate whether therapy is right for you.

 

You should find a therapist if:

  • Your life has somehow changed recently
  • You can’t quite seem to cope with the change adequately
  • You feel overwhelmed
  • You want to maintain your well-being
  • You want to get to know yourself
  • You think there’s a chance therapy could help

Today, we’ll talk about the first three. (Part 2 will cover the last three).

 

Your life has somehow changed recently

 

Maybe you chose for your life to change. Maybe you took a new step forward in your career. Maybe you chose to leave a long-time partner. Maybe you chose to move to a new apartment.

Or, maybe something happened to you that caused your life to change. Maybe a romantic partner moved on. Maybe you lost your job. Maybe you remembered a moment of abuse.

Any of these changes can trigger feelings of anxiety, stress and resentment. You may feel overwhelmed, or simply don’t know what to do with the new circumstances life has brought you.

All of these reactions are completely normal.

If you feel you may need help, you have every right to reach out for it. You don’t need to justify it to yourself or anybody else. (You can always reach out to us here!)

One of the best things you can do for yourself is reach out for help. An experienced counselor will help you navigate this time of change and come through the other side more aware of yourself and more empowered to advocate for yourself.

You can’t quite seem to cope with the change adequately.

 

Every single person you’ve ever met has coping mechanisms to deal with stress. Some coping mechanisms are:

  • Taking deep breaths
  • Going for a walk
  • Having a glass of wine
  • Eating too much
  • Using sex to numb feelings of inadequacy
  • Lashing out at others
  • Pretending the stress doesn’t exist
  • Getting a furry companion

Obviously, some of these coping mechanisms are healthier than others! Taking deep breaths, going for a walk, and even having a glass of wine can all be great ways to cope with less severe stress, changes, or anxiety.

We all need healthy coping mechanisms to mediate stress and anxiety in our lives. But sometimes, even healthy coping mechanisms can fail us. We may still feel worked up after going for a walk. We may wake up after having too many drinks and remember the feelings of shame or fear.

And the less healthy coping mechanisms will tend to let you down.

If you find yourself unable to cope with change in a healthy way, it may be time to get in touch with a counselor.

You feel overwhelmed

 

If your feelings of fear, anxiety, or shame are interfering with your ability to focus or think clearly, it’s likely time to go see a counselor.

If you just can’t seem to right the ship, so to speak, and move on with your life, this is an indication that you need to reach out for help.

You may find yourself less able to concentrate at work. You may find yourself less creative, less spontaneous, and less positive. You may go into hyper-activity, in order to escape your feelings. You may become sedentary, overwhelmed by the weight of them.

It’s absolutely okay to feel these things. Counselors are trained professionals who can help you see a way out.

Conclusion

 

In sum, you likely need to go to therapy if your life has changed recently, if you can’t seem to cope, and you feel overwhelmed.

Feeling like you might need a counselor is enough of a reason to reach out for help. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!

Feel free to reach out to us and schedule an appointment at your convenience. We’re always here, ready to help.

We’re Here When You’re Ready

Book a Session

socialhousewellness.com

Jki-facebook-light Instagram

Copyright © 2017. All rights reserved.

Meghan Galliger

Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or struggling with life’s challenges? Meghan, a counseling intern at the University of Houston-Victoria, is here to help. Specializing in individual, couples, and family therapy, Meghan uses an effective, evidence-based approach called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). This approach helps you align with your core values, build mindfulness, and make meaningful changes that lead to a more fulfilling life.
Whether you’re navigating depression, anxiety, relationship struggles, life transitions, chronic illness, or chronic pain, Meghan provides a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space to heal and grow. She works with individuals aged 13 and up, empowering her clients to embrace their authentic selves and move forward with purpose and confidence.
When she’s not helping clients, Meghan enjoys photography, spending quality time with her fiancé and their two dogs, and savoring a good cup of coffee. For her, it’s all about finding balance and appreciating life’s simple pleasures.
Take the first step toward positive change today—Meghan is here to guide you on your journey toward a more meaningful, connected life.

Ashley Rodriguez

Hi, I am Ashley Rodriguez, an LPC-associate under the supervision of Gladys Sanchez. I offer individual therapy to individuals of all ages, but my specialty is working with children and pre-adolescents. My areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, stress, life changes, behavioral issues, ADHD, and autism.
I work with individuals of all ages, but my specialty is working with children and pre-adolescents.
I help by creating a safe place for my clients where they are accepted, supported, and educated over skills and techniques to aid them outside of session.

Yazan Akkad

Yazan is a practicum counseling student with an interest in understanding the complexities of the human mind and emotions. He graduated from the University of Houston with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in biology, which sparked his curiosity to explore the nuances of human behavior and learn how to help those that struggle with it.

Currently, Yazan is pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Houston – Clear Lake.

His aim is to create a supportive space for individuals to navigate their personal challenges and growth. Yazan’s aspiration is to become a Licensed Practicing Counselor (LPC) and earn recognition as a National Certified Counselor (NCC), reflecting his commitment to making a positive impact in others’ lives.

Yazan hopes to develop a counseling approach that draws inspiration from various therapeutic styles, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and elements of Gestalt theory. He believes that these approaches offer practical tools to help individuals make meaningful changes in their lives.

When he’s not diving into his studies, Yazan loves spending time working on his cars, getting a good workout in, and making fond memories with friends and family. With a warm and approachable demeanor, he’s excited to accompany you on your journey of self-discovery and personal development, providing a helping hand along the way.

Clients Yazan Sees

Ages: Children 10+, Adolescents/Teens, Adults

Services: Individual, Couples, Family

Concerns: Anxiety, Depression, Relational issues

Yazan does not accept insurance, however, his sessions start at $40.

انا أتكلم العربية

Jasmine Porche-Ware​
Jasmine Porché-Ware is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate under the clinical supervision of Sommer L. Greer, LMFT-S. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Houston Christian University. Jasmine’s goal is to empower individuals by helping them discover resilient coping strategies, cultivate self-efficacy, nurture hope, and foster optimism. Jasmine is deeply passionate about working with diverse populations as she values the richness that different backgrounds bring to the therapeutic experience. Jasmine focuses on special topics such as marital conflicts, family issues, lifestyle adjustments, infidelity, premarital conflicts, substance abuse and illness or loss of loved ones. Working from a collaborative, systemic model, Jasmine believes that sometimes even the smallest action can create an impactful change in a positive direction for couples and families. Her clinical focus involves working with couples and families by utilizing the Family Systems and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) theoretical approaches to counseling. Through compassionate and non-judgmental care, Jasmine strives to create a safe space for exploration and growth, helping clients discover new perspectives and cultivate healthier relationships with themselves and with others. Her services are an infusion of evidence- based modalities, lived experience, authenticity and transformational healing. As a culturally competent therapist, her clients come from all walks of life from early childhood, military veterans, teens, single adults/parents, and couples and families. Therapy can offer an incredible opportunity to feel heard, feel supported and gain a voice to your pain or frustration. You can also discover healthy, new strategies to manage stress, alleviate symptoms of depression and build resilience. Jasmine offers flexible appointment times including weekend office hours and virtual sessions to meet the unique needs of her clients. Come as you are and let’s navigate this journey of healing together.
Maria Ramirez
Maria Ramirez is a Bilingual Licensed Professional Counselor Associate at Social House Wellness Company, fluent in both English and Spanish. With a lifelong curiosity about human behavior and mental health, Maria brings passion and dedication to her work, aiming to foster personal growth, self-awareness, and resilience in her clients. Maria’s therapeutic style is integrative, drawing from Family Systems Therapy, Attachment-based Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and a Person-Centered approach. She enjoys working with diverse populations, including Latino clients, individuals across various age groups, and those of different sexual identities. Her areas of focus include helping clients explore their inner child, navigate self-esteem and identity issues, and address common concerns such as anxiety, depression, grief (including migratory grief), cultural adjustment, and family dynamics. Maria is especially skilled at supporting clients facing self-criticism, imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and developing effective coping strategies. She believes in empowering her clients with the tools they need to independently overcome challenges and thrive. Maria offers compassionate, bilingual therapy tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. She is committed to creating a safe and welcoming space where clients can explore their struggles, find healing, and discover new ways to approach life’s obstacles. Whether you are dealing with the pressures of perfectionism, adjusting to new cultural environments, or seeking to better understand yourself, Maria is here to guide you every step of the way. Flexible appointment times, including virtual sessions, are available to accommodate your schedule. Let Maria partner with you on your journey to healing and self-discovery.
Haley Diaz
Haley Diaz is a dedicated Clinical Mental Health Counseling student at the University of Houston-Victoria and an intern at Social Wellness House. Haley provides compassionate and flexible counseling services both in-person and via telehealth, accommodating clients with scheduling options on nights and weekends. Haley’s approach centers on creating a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore and shape their identities and life goals. With a focus on individuals aged 13 and up—including adolescents, adults, and couples—Haley specializes in addressing a range of concerns including anxiety, depression, relational issues, PTSD, and personality disorders. Deeply committed to the role of cultural and identity factors in mental health, Haley believes that understanding these elements is crucial for achieving personal growth and overcoming challenges. Beyond her professional pursuits, Haley has a passion for antiquing, creating art, and aspires to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and art therapist. Her multifaceted interests enrich her counseling practice and reflect her commitment to holistic, creative approaches to mental well-being.
Dr. Monique Rahman
Dr. Monique Rahman is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a professor of Professional Counseling at the University of Houston-Victoria. She graduated from Texas A&M University’s Honors Psychology program with a minor in Neuroscience, earned her graduate degree in Counselor Education with a focus in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Houston–Victoria and completed her Doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision at St. Mary’s University, specializing in play therapy. She is also a Registered Play Therapist (RPT), the evidenced-based approach to therapy with children. With extensive experience in university helplines, psychiatric hospitals, community agencies, and private practices, Dr. Rahman has worked with clients in crisis, including those experiencing suicidal, homicidal, or psychotic episodes. She is also dedicated to helping individuals manage everyday stressors and empowering them to become healthier, happier versions of themselves in an attempt to prevent crises from occurring. Dr. Rahman takes a holistic approach to mental health, addressing all aspects of wellness. She works from a compassionate, inclusive and client-focused approach, advocating for proactive mental healthcare that assists clients in finding their authenticity. Her philosophy is, “If you don’t wait for a broken bone to see the doctor or for gingivitis to see the dentist, why wait for a crisis to see a counselor?” She praises her clients for taking control of their emotional health, often emphasizing that ignoring it is the “crazy” option. Monique integrates creativity, expressive arts, and engaging activities into her sessions, supporting clients across the lifespan. She is passionate about creating a supportive environment for healing, especially through play therapy for children and therapeutic support for adults. Outside of her professional roles, Monique enjoys spending time with her family and dogs, watching the latest trending TV show or movie, traveling, crafting, or enjoying a good book with a cup of tea. Clients Dr. Monique Rahman Sees: Ages: Children 2+, Adolescents/Teens, Adults Services: Individual, Play, Couples, Family Therapy Areas of Focus: Relationships, Anxiety, Depression, Life Stress, Transitions, LGBTQ+, Self-Esteem, Wellness, Self-Harm, Suicide* Please note that Dr. Rahman does not accept insurance. *It should be noted that active suicidal ideation is best served by a more intensive level of care than outpatient counseling. Dr. Rahman can assist clients in assessing their level of care needed, and is happy to make recommendations for more emergent resources.
Adam Rahman
My clinical practice is exclusively dedicated to the needs of humans and I work to bridge the gap between where you are, and where you want to be; between who you are, and who you want to be. Sometimes the first step is this: knowing you’re not alone. Together we can begin to deal with the rest. Adam Rahman is a board-certified Licensed Professional Counselor. He utilizes the most advanced clinical methods, including EMDR, to treat anxiety, trauma & PTSD, depression, men’s issues, addiction, as well as issues around relationships and career. Adam’s Professional Credentials: Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S) National Certified Counselor (NCC) Member of the American Counseling Association Clients Adam Sees Ages: Adults, Teens 17+ Services: Individual Concerns: Anxiety, Trauma & PTSD, Depression,Men’s Issues, Relational To start your life moving in a positive direction, call Social House in Texas today to schedule an initial assessment at: (832) 284-7354, or use our contact form now. We’re looking forward to meeting you!